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Hi Folks, Here’s our look at the Rushing
Matchups for this week. PLEASE NOTE: This does NOT replace
the Cheatsheet ranking. The Cheatsheet rankings are the final say on where we
see a player for that week. The Matchup Breakdowns are simply one more tool in
the box when it comes to helping choose your lineup. Also note, just because a player
has a "bad" matchup, it does NOT mean he's not a starter in your
league. If Priest Holmes is playing the toughest rush defense in the league,
that just means he's got a tough matchup that week. He's also your starter. Let's jump to it. Arizona’s
Marcel Shipp vs. The Kansas City Defense (Great Matchup) The lone bright spot to emerge out of the Card’s 41-20
pasting at the hands of Rich Gannon’s Oakland Raiders was Marcel Shipp’s 135
yards-on-16-carries and 1 score performance. He also added 20 yards through the
air. Best of all, Shipp is the “man” in Arizona now, with Thomas Jones’
self-inflicted broken hand knocking the competition out for the season. Let’s
face it, there isn’t much in the way of a passing game in Arizona anymore, so
Shipp should get plenty of carries, at least (but opponents will key on him,
too). Kansas City is inventing ways to lose – last week they made
Matt Hasselbeck look like Dan Marino. On the season, they are the worst pass
defense in the league, but over the last four weeks their rushing defense is
actually softer than the secondary – they rank 30th in the NFL
allowing 156 yards per game on the ground in that span, ranking 29th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Shaun Alexander, who has struggled
all season, torched them for 145 yards and 2 scores. Back-up DL Ritchie Owens is limited by a groin injury and
may not be able to play for the Chiefs. LB Lew Bush is eligible to return from
a suspension for the AZ game – no word on if he’ll get in the game, though.
Starting C Mike Gruttadauria is likely out for the Cards again (knee) as is
back-up OL John Fina (ankle). Shipp has looked good in his chances, and the Chiefs’ Swiss
cheese-style rushing D will give him plenty of opportunities to shine. The only concern (and it’s a real one) is
that Arizona could get behind so quickly that they’re forced to abandon the
run. Cleveland’s
William Green vs. The Carolina Defense (Great Matchup) You’ve got to admit, William Green has looked good in Jamel
White’s absence – the youngster seems to be catching on to the pro game just as
the team makes its playoff run. Good timing for Tim Couch and company, isn’t
it? The 100 yard-game rushing barrier has been cracked, and Green managed to
stuff one into the end-zone as well (28 rushes for 114 yards and 1 score vs.
New Orleans). Green is definitely on a hot streak. Carolina was handed it’s own head on a silver platter last
week by the Falcons (426 total yards allowed (149 rushing) and 5 offensive
scores in the rout), and they are likely to be an even worse defense this week,
as impossible as that might sound. Dan Morgan, their starting MLB is out with a
separated shoulder, fellow starting LB Hannibal Navies has an ankle sprain that
may keep him out, and rookie sack-king Julius Peppers is due to be suspended
for 4 games starting this week for violating the league’s substance guidelines.
They haven’t been very good with these guys – 104 yards rushing per game (12th
in the league) allowed over the past four weeks, but a ranking of 27th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs during that time frame – and will
definitely be worse without Morgan and Peppers. Besides the Morgan and Navies injuries, backup LB Brian
Allen has a sprained ankle, as does starting DT Kris Jenkins. Excepting White’s
shoulder woes, the Browns unit is ready to rock. Don’t bet against Cleveland or William Green in this one,
fantasy owners. Kansas
City’s Priest Holmes vs. The Arizona Defense (Great Matchup) Holmes is the best back in the NFL this year, running behind
the best line. Arizona is the 28th ranked rushing D in the NFL
this year, allowing 132 yards per game. They are the 32nd ranked
rushing D in the NFL over the last four weeks, allowing 186 yards per game, and
are dead last vs. opposing fantasy backs. Has any player ever gone over 300 yards combined in 2
consecutive games? Holmes probably will. Miami’s
Ricky Williams vs. The Buffalo Defense (Great Matchup) This is a rematch of the week 7 bout between these two
teams. In the intervening time, Ray Lucas has gotten his sea-legs back and is
playing much better at the quarterback position, which should help Ricky
Williams out in this game. Not that he was stuffed by Buffalo the first time
around – 25 carries for 97 yards and 1 reception for 22 yards – but Williams
did not get in the end zone in week 7. Over the last three weeks, Williams has
gone from struggling to explosive – 143 yards rushing and 2 scores last week –
so momentum is with the Miami back. Buffalo’s defense, meanwhile, hasn’t been getting the job
done lately. During the 3 game losing streak, teams have scored 30+ on the
Bills twice. Over the past four weeks, they are the 23rd ranked D
vs. the rush, allowing 132 yards per game on average. In that span, the Bills
are 31st in the league in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs. Both units enter the game healthy. Williams should help the Dolphins get pay-back on Sunday in
a big way. San
Francisco’s Garrison Hearst vs. The Seattle Defense (Great Matchup) Kevan Barlow left the game Monday night on crutches, and the
preliminary word on him is that his right knee is sprained – the limb locked up
on him. That doesn’t sound too good. He’ll miss this week and maybe more. Paul Smith assumed Barlow’s role as the
backfield-mate to Garrison Hearst and gained 29 yards on his two carries – but
the team had to pretty much abandon the running game in the second half, so it
is unclear how much he will see the ball in Barlow’s absence. Hearst went 10
for 65 (0 score) on the ground in the loss. Barlow was the back with the
touchdown the last time these units played week 6. Seattle’s rushing defense is terrible. They were utterly
humiliated by Priest Holmes last week, to the tune of 197 yards and 2 scores on
the ground. Dead last in the NFL this season, and 31st over the past
four weeks, allowing 169 yards per game on average, the Hawks are also 30th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Besides Barlow’s injury, the rushing attack is good to go.
Seattle suffered no new injuries in the win over K.C., and got LB Anthony
Simmons back in the lineup – LB Isaiah Kacyvenski remains out, though. Start Hearst if you’ve got him – this is a great matchup. Atlanta’s
Warrick Dunn/Mike Vick / T.J. Duckett vs. The Minnesota Defense (Good Matchup) The hottest team in the NFL might be Atlanta, and they are
smokin’. Last week, the Falcons
obliterated the Panthers – Warrick Dunn had 105 yards total and 2 scores,
Duckett had 66 yards rushing and a score, and Vick added 20 to the total on the
ground en route to a 41-0 victory in which Dunn and Vick took most of the
second half off in a noble gesture of mercy on Dan Reeve’s part (of course, he
was also protecting his starters from needless risk, as the game was over by
halftime). The Vikings can’t win on the road, but they are tougher in
the Metrodome, where this game is being played. On the season, the Vikings are
6th ranked rushing D in the league, allowing only 98 yards per game
on average – over the past four weeks, they are much softer, though,
surrendering 113 yards per game (19th in the league) and ranking 28th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Neither unit had new injuries of note after the games last
week. This looks like another great week to be a Falcons’ running
back (or to have them on your fantasy team).
Last week, Duckett’s carries came during mop up duty (and there was a
lot of mopping up to do) with Dunn being the featured back. This trend could well continue. Baltimore’s
Jamal Lewis vs. The Cincinnati Defense (Good Matchup) These two teams hooked up week 10 for a barn-burner,
Baltimore 38 – Cincinnati 27 and there’s not much that has changed since then.
Blake is still the quarterback for Baltimore, Kitna’s hanging on in Cincy.
Jamal Lewis is the man for the Ravens, and has been up (135 yards and 2 scores,
95 yards) and down (47 yards) in his last three games. The big game was against
the Bengals. Meanwhile, the Bengals continue to lose with a vengeance.
Over the last four weeks, they are 25th in the league allowing 135
yards per game, and rank 16th in points allowed to opposing fantasy
backs. Starting DE Vaughn Booker has been sidelined by knee and rib
problems for the defense. Starting G Edwin Mulitalo has been held out due to
back troubles for the Ravens. Lewis should rock Cincinnati’s world on Sunday. Cincinnati’s
Corey Dillon vs. The Baltimore Defense (Good Matchup) Corey Dillon gained 150 yards, combined, against the Ravens
3 weeks ago. Last week he ran for 60 yards and 2 scores against the Steelers. Baltimore will be without Ray Lewis again this weekend, and
they are 21st in the NFL over the last four weeks vs. the run (most
of that time without Lewis), allowing 122 yards per game. They rank 21st
in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs during that span. Cincy’s line is fine. DE Michael McCrary is sidelined
indefinitely, and won’t be in on Sunday. Dillon should tear up the Ravens again Sunday, and will
probably manage at least one score to boot. Denver’s
Clinton Portis vs. The San Diego Defense (Good Matchup) San Diego has lost 3 of their last four games, and it’s
partly due to the fact that their rushing defense has suddenly collapsed. They
are averaging 105 yards allowed per game this season, 11th in the
league, but over the last four weeks that number balloons to 150 yards per game
(29th in the NFL). Over that span, the Chargers are 25th
vs. opposing fantasy backs. Back in week 5, the Broncos spanked the Chargers
26-9, and Clinton Portis gained 102 yards rushing, 17 yards and a touchdown
receiving, against them. They’ve gotten worse defending the run since then. Clinton Portis has scored 5 touchdowns in 4 games, including
2 last week while racking up 88 yards rushing vs. Indianapolis. Mike Anderson,
Rueben Droughns and Olandis Gary all touched the ball occasionally, but Portis
is the man right now. The Chargers aren’t banged up on the defensive front too
badly, so injuries aren’t to blame for the collapse. Denver’s starting unit is
good to go. Look for Portis to take advantage of the stumbling Chargers
on Sunday. Detroit’s
James Stewart vs. The New England Defense (Good Matchup) James Stewart fought hard for the Lions against
division-rival Chicago – 22 rushes for 85 yards and a score, with 6 receptions
for 38 yards – but it just wasn’t quite enough in the end. The touchdown ended
a three-week scoreless skid, so it was welcome indeed for Stewart owners. His
three-week totals of 300 yards rushing and 65 yards receiving are pretty stout
numbers for yardage-league owners. New England’s defense isn’t particularly tough against
opposing backs – they allow 131 yards per game on the ground this season (27th
in the NFL) and have averaged 110 yards allowed per game the last four weeks
(16th-ranked). During that four week span, the Pats are 20th
in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Neither team got more banged up this past weekend, although
the Lions remain very thin at WR – Germane Crowell snagged 4 balls for 38 yards
and a score, so there is enough of a passing threat to keep defenses honest, at
least. Stewart should be able to exploit New England’s lax rush
defense for some credible numbers on Sunday. Indianapolis’
Edgerrin James vs. The Houston Defense (Good Matchup) Edgerrin James gained over 100 yards combined last week
(against the brutal Bronco’s defensive front), and scored a touchdown.
Unfortunately, he also aggravated his sprained ankle in the process, and James
Mungro came in during the OT period. However, coach Dungy expects James to
start as usual this week, so it wasn’t a serious flare up. Be aware that Mungro
looks like the #2 guy right now, not Ricky Williams (just in case James hurts
that ankle in practice later in the week). In the first game of the year, week
3, James gained 117 yards (combined) but didn’t score. Houston won the game, but they were torn apart by Tiki
Barber last week, 146 yards on only 19 carries (a 7.7 yards per carry average)
with a long of 70 yards, and 1 score. Over the last four weeks, the Texans
average 140 yards per game allowed, 27th in the NFL, and they are 12th
in the league in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs. Indianapolis’ unit is good to go. Houston’s starting LB
Keith Mitchell couldn’t go last week due to a chest injury, but otherwise their
unit is pretty healthy. Look for James to have success running the ball as long as
his gimpy ankle will allow him to compete. Pittsburgh’s
Jerome Bettis/Amos Zereoue vs. The Jacksonville Defense (Good Matchup) Bettis is back to his bulldozing self, so Amos Zereoue is
once again the change-of-pace, third down back for the Steelers. Bettis went
22/79 with 2 scores last week against division-rival Cincinnati, and the
Steelers got back in the “W” column. This week the Jaguars host the Steelers, and they aren’t
particularly tough to run the ball on – for the season, they average 124 yards
per game allowed (20th in the league) and over the last four weeks
they give up 110 per contest (17th in the NFL). During that four
week span, they are the 17th ranked defense in points allowed to opposing
backs. As of Tuesday, the Steelers would not indicate who their
starting quarterback will be. Cowher was pleased with Stewart’s play, and may
wait until game-time to make the call in order to confuse Jacksonville. Of
course, it is very relevant to the running game, as Maddox is vastly more
likely to hand the ball off than to carry it on his own, while Stewart is
always a threat to run (and thereby takes carries away from Bettis and
Zereoue). Jacksonville has no new injuries to report on the defensive
front, while Pittsburgh may be without starting G Kendall Simmons (sprained
MCL). Look for Bettis to enjoy success against the Jags – how much
success depends on who’s under center. Chicago’s
Anthony Thomas / Leon Johnson vs. The Green Bay Defense (Neutral Matchup) The A-Train is in decline over the past 3 weeks – Anthony
Thomas has posted fewer total yards in 3 consecutive contests (103, 61, 51),
and he failed to score for the first time during that span last week. This is
not a welcome trend for Thomas owners. Worse yet, starting RT Big Cat Williams
sprained his right ankle last week and may not be available to play this week –
he won’t be 100% if he can go. This game is a rematch of a week 5 contest in
which Thomas ran for 45 yards and 0 scores, but the Packer’s D is changed since
then. Of huge concern is the playing time Coach Dick Jauron is
giving RB Leon Johnson. During the
crucial OT win last week, Johnson was the featured RB and that trend looks like
it could continue. Green Bay plays the rush soft, allowing 132 yards per game
on average (29th in the NFL), and 145 yards per contest over the
last four weeks (28th). During that four week span, the Packers are
6th in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs, so they do get
tougher in the red-zone. A huge problem for the run defense cropped up last week when
starting DT Gilbert Brown, the giant run-stopper in the middle of the defensive
front, went down with a sprained left ankle. If Brown is not available this
week, his loss will open up the middle to Thomas in a big way. Backup DL Aaron
Kampman missed last week with his broken hand, and may not be available this
week, either. The Packers are thin on the line right now. Besides the lack of
Williams, the Bears are without OT Marc Colombo (knee) for the duration of the
season – so they are depleted, too. Two battered units meet in this one – Thomas’ struggles are
likely to continue due to his depleted line, but he may be able to exploit the
middle against the Pack this week.
Throw in the Leon Johnson factor and it get’s even murkier. If Brown can play this week, this matchup
becomes a lot tougher for Thomas and the Bears. Green
Bay’s Ahman Green vs. The Chicago Defense (Neutral Matchup) Ahman Green and the Packers played a miserable game against
Tampa last week, and he still managed 96 yards of total offense (56 rushing, 40
receiving) in the loss – he was held scoreless, though. It was the 2nd
game in 3 starts that he was held under 100 yards combined and scoreless, so
Green is not producing at a high level recently. Week 5, Green managed the
Bears for 107 yards on the ground and 21 yards receiving (0 scores). This week the division-rival Bears come calling at Lambeau
Field, and they have been surprisingly tough on opposing backs recently – the
Bears rank 6th in the league over the past four weeks, allowing only
90 yards of rushing per game. However, they are 18th in fantasy
points allowed to opposing backs, so there are still opportunities to be had
against them. Starting OT Chad Clifton was hospitalized after being
injured by Warren Sapp, and is almost certainly lost for this game (and perhaps
the season) due to the hip/nerve problem. Starting G Marco Rivera played last
week with a MCL injury, so he’s far from 100%. Big Ted Washington remains on
the sidelines for the Bears with his healing left foot. Green Bay at home is always tough, but the Bears are playing
well in this phase lately and won’t lie down this week, either. Jacksonville’s
Fred Taylor / Stacey Mack vs. The Pittsburgh Defense (Neutral Matchup) Tom Coughlin ignored the team owner’s desire for more
playing time on Mack’s behalf, and Fred Taylor carried the ball 20 times for
100 yards (but no score, Mack got that) last week. The bottom line here is that
Taylor gets more carries, but Mack gets more opportunities at the goal line.
It’s been that way all year, and won’t change now – some games Mack will drain
more carries than others, but he’s not the featured guy. Pittsburgh is tough to run on since the early-season woes of
the defense have straightened out – they allow a mere 92 yards per game (3rd
in the NFL) and over the past four weeks have averaged 98 yards per game
allowed (8th in the NFL). During that span, they are 15th
in the league in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs. Jacksonville’s rushing unit is healthy (no new injuries,
anyway). Pittsburgh went without starting LB James Farrior and backup LB Larry
Foote last week, due to injury. The Jags are 6-1 at home vs. the Pittsburgh team, and the
Steelers know they need this one to stay atop the AFC North. Look for a
hard-fought game on both sides. New
England’s Antowain Smith vs. The Detroit Defense (Neutral Matchup) Antowain Smith isn’t getting the job done for his fantasy teams lately. He put up only 58 yards rushing and 38 yards receiving last week vs. the Vikings. Only 148 yards rushing, total, during the last three weeks, with 0 scores – that’s not good. One of his key blockers, Joe Andruzzi, has been banged up and playing hurt, but that doesn’t explain the drought. Minnesota and Oakland are two of the better rush defenses in the league, but Chicago isn’t particularly good, and Smith struggled to produce against the Bears, too. Detroit’s rushing defense is nothing special – they rank 16th
in the NFL this season, allowing 111 yards per game on average, and are 20th
over the past four weeks, allowing 121 yards per contest. During that four week
span, they are the 19th defense in the league in fantasy points
surrendered to opposing backs. Starting DE Robert Porcher (hyper-extended knee) and backup
DL Jared DeVries (foot) both missed Sunday’s game vs. the Bears (but the Lions
held Chicago to 75 total yards of rushing and 0 scores anyway), and are not
likely to be back in time for the turkey-day game on Thursday. New England’s
line, including the above-mentioned Andruzzi, should be available to go (if not
100%). Smith has a chance to get his team rolling on the ground for
the late-season push with a pretty good matchup – but will he? New York
Giants’ Tiki Barber vs. The Tennessee Defense (Neutral Matchup) The Giants may have stumbled last week, but Tiki Barber
didn’t. He racked up 146 yards rushing on only 19 carries (20 yards receiving,
too) and 1 score against the Texans. Not bad at all, and it means that Barber
has produced three 100+ yard rushing games in the last 4 contests. He’s definitely on a roll. Tennessee’s defense is up and down this season – currently
they are on an upswing. During the past four weeks, the Titans average only 76
yards per game allowed, 2nd in the NFL, and are #2 in points allowed
to opposing fantasy backs during that span. Last week, Jamal Lewis managed 108
yards combined against them (95 yards rushing), but no scores. Starting C Chris Bober is out with a torn triceps, and it
caused some problems for the Giant’s OL unit last week – Kerry Collins really
got harassed in the pocket. Tennessee’s starting DE Jevon Kearse (foot)
remained sidelined, as did starting LB Randall Godfrey (ankle), in last week’s
1 point loss to Baltimore. The Titans’ unit is playing strongly of late, but so is Tiki
Barber. It’s a tough challenge for Barber, but you really can’t sit him while
he’s on a tear, unless you are loaded at running back. New York
Jets’ Curtis Martin vs. The Oakland Defense (Neutral Matchup) Curtis Martin is finally back to his old self – cutting,
juking and running well on his mostly-healed ankle. He’s gone over 100 yards
rushing 2 straight games, and punched in a score last week. His yards per carry
is up over 5 in the last two games, too – and he isn’t getting hit behind the
line for losses nearly as often nowadays. Predictably, the Jets are on a roll
along with Martin, on a four game winning streak. The Raiders are also on a winning streak, and their rushing
D has gotten over its mid-season funk – over the last four weeks, the Raiders
are allowing 102 yards per game, 10th in the league, and are 13th
vs. opposing fantasy backs during that stretch. Dave Szott couldn’t quite make it back last week, but the
Jets have been without him all season, so it’s not a loss for the unit.
Napoleon Harris is struggling with a groin injury for the Raiders, and missed
last Sunday’s game. Two surging units will play in an exciting and hard-fought
Monday Night Football game. Oakland’s
Charlie Garner / Tyrone Wheatley vs. The New York Jets’ Defense (Neutral
Matchup) The Raiders are on a 3 game winning streak, and Charlie
Garner is surging right now, too. After a dismal 2 yard performance vs. the
Broncos, he has rushed for 57 yards and then 100 yards last week (182 yards
total), and scored his first touchdown in three games last week. Wheatley got
in on the massacre of the Cards, too, and gained 82 yards rushing and a score
as well – the tandem is back in business, it appears. Both backs averaged 6.3
yards per carry last week against the pathetic Cardinals. The Jets’ rushing defense is also on a hard charge to the
top of the NFL – they were awful to start the year, but over the last four
weeks they are stellar – ranked 4th in the NFL allowing only 85
yards a game, and 14th in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs
in that span – a huge improvement over the season average of 130 yards allowed
per game (26th in the NFL). The Jets’ defensive front is solid and healthy. So is the
Raider’s rushing unit. It’s going to be a war out there on Monday. Philadelphia’s
Duce Staley / Dorsey Levens vs. The St. Louis Defense (Neutral Matchup) Staley and Levens were effective in the win over San
Francisco (20/70 between the two of them), with Staley in the featured role
(16/55). Staley added 2 catches for 12 yards, so he was modestly effective.
However, the second-team QB Koy Detmer injured his non-throwing arm’s elbow on
Monday, and it looked serious from where we were sitting, so 3rd
teamer A.J. Feeley could be under center this week – that will likely limit the
passing game somewhat, which could increase the defensive pressure on the
ground game. St. Louis’ rush defense got shredded by Stephen Davis for 3
scores last week – they had a bad game. Over the last four weeks they are
allowing an average of 105 yards per game (13th in the NFL) and are
22nd in points allowed to opposing fantasy backs. The Rams aren’t
too tough on the ground game, lately. Levens sprained his foot in the game Monday night, so he
could be limited this week. St. Louis escaped the loss to Washington without
any notable new injuries to the defense. This looks like a decent matchup for the Eagles. Tampa
Bay’s Michael Pittman / Mike Alstott vs. The New Orleans Defense (Neutral Matchup) Even in victory, the Tampa Bay rushing game is unimpressive,
especially from a fantasy standpoint. 13 rushes for 50 yards and 2 catches for
23 yards was the best Pittman could muster against the Packers. Alstott went 9
for 30 on the ground. Pittman has exactly 0 100 yard rushing games, and only
one game over 100 yards combined, this season to go with his 0 scores. Week 1
neither back scored or went over 100 yards combined vs. New Orleans. New Orleans’ rushing defense continues to be a problem for
the team, despite the demotion of Norman Hand – William Green, who hadn’t gone
over 100 yards in a game this season ripped the Saints for 114 yards and 1
score last week, and the Browns got 163 yards rushing as a team that day. Over
the last four weeks, the Saints are allowing 139 yards per game (26th
in the league), but rank 10th in fantasy points allowed to opposing
backs – they are doing something right in the red-zone. Tampa has no new injuries of note on their core unit. New
Orleans saw starting LB Sedrick Hodge suffer a mild concussion last week, but
he isn’t expected to miss the game Sunday. Tampa’s anemic rushing attack vs. the giving Saints’ defense
equals a neutral matchup. Tennessee’s
Eddie George vs. The New York Giants’ Defense (Neutral Matchup) Tough town, New York. “There’s No Hope Left for Big Blue
Frauds”, according to nypost.com’s Mike Vaccaro, and nydailynews.com’s Gary
Meyers proclaims “In a Snap, Giants Done”. Yes, the Giants lost to the
expansion Texans, but they didn’t get stomped, or anything – they just tripped
over their over-confidence. Jonathan Wells only managed 68 yards rushing
against New York (1 score), on 24 carries (a 2.8 yards per carry average). The
Giants are not great vs. the run (they are great against the pass), ranking 19th
in the NFL this season allowing 122 yards per game and 24th over the
past four weeks, allowing 133 yards per contest. However, they are the 4th
best D in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing backs – it’s tough to
score on the Giants. Rumors of their demise may be a tad premature. Tennessee’s Eddie George is continuing to spiral down in his
production – last week he eked out 61 yards rushing vs. the Ravens – and has
declined in rushing yardage every week for the past 5 weeks, from his season
high of 113 yards week 6 to the 61 rushing yards total (11 yards receiving)
from last game. No touchdowns redeemed his performance this week, however. Something to keep a very close eye on is the fact that
George sat out several series later in the game and watched Robert Holcombe
carry the ball. Starting DT Cornelius Griffin (ankle), backup LB’s Nick
Griesen (foot) and Quincy Monk (ankle) were all unable to play last Sunday, and
may be limited this week as well. The Titans’ line is fine, health-wise. Two struggling units face off in a game that both need to
win. It looks like an even playing field before the contest. Buffalo’s
Travis Henry vs. The Miami Defense (Tough Matchup) Henry played a good game against the Jets, gaining 89 yards
and 1 score rushing and adding 43 yards receiving. Right now, the Bills are
running the ball well, even though they are losing games. Miami’s D is not forgiving to other backs – they rank 2nd
in the league this season, allowing only 90 yards per game, and are 3rd
over the past four weeks, allowing only 83 yards per game rushing. They are the
8th ranked defense in the NFL in points allowed to opposing fantasy
backs. Both teams are essentially healthy entering the game. Henry will find the Dolphins tougher to run on this time
than he did in week 7 (132 yards in that game). He’s still probably a starter for you but this is a tough game. Carolina’s
Lamar Smith vs. The Cleveland Defense (Tough Matchup) The wheels came off and the engine fell out onto the
highway. If the Panthers were a car,
they’d look like Jake and Elwood’s ex-police cruiser did at the end of “The
Blues Brothers”. Smith didn’t get much help at all from his cadre of
quarterbacks (or his offensive line) against the Falcons, and ended up with 32
yards of total offense during perhaps the worst game in the history of the
Panther’s franchise. It was a complete and utter failure, in every phase of the
game – they earned this 41-0 drubbing. So where do they go from here? Into the teeth of a surging
Cleveland club that is finally getting into synch. A Cleveland club that
man-handled the McAllister-less Saints last week, 24-15, and which is rated as
the 11th best run defense over the past four weeks, allowing only
104 yards per game on average. During that time frame, the Browns are the 9th
best defense in the league vs. opposing fantasy backs. The Panther line is healthy (but lacking in blocking skills)
heading into the match. The Browns are down backup LB Kevin Bentley (broken
right hand), although defensive linemen Kenard Lang (groin) and Alvin McKinley
(thumb) both battled through injury to play last week, and are expected to be
in there next Sunday, too. Any team that looks and acts as beaten as the Panthers did
on Sunday are losing faith in themselves. Don’t look for a miracle turn-around
against the stout Browns, who are gunning for a spot in the playoffs. Dallas’
Emmitt Smith / Troy Hambrick vs. The Washington Defense (Tough Matchup) Emmitt Smith touched the ball 21 (20 carries, 1 reception)
times on this past Sunday, for 85 total yards (73 yards rushing and 12
receiving) and 1 score. Troy Hambrick saw 4 carries (for 38 yards) and 3
receptions (for 33 yards) – 7 touches for 71 yards, total. Dallas won the game,
and everybody forgot last weeks’ squabble over playing time in the afterglow of
victory. Washington’s rush defense is pretty respectable – they are
the 14th ranked unit this season, allowing 111 yards per game, and
are better over the past 4 weeks, allowing only 100 per contest (9th
in the NFL). During that same span, the Redskins are the 11th best
rushing defense in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. Neither squad suffered serious injuries in last week’s games
– the Cowboy’s are down G Larry Allen (IR) and backup OL Javiar Collins (knee)
for this game, though. The Dallas line has struggled to open holes at times this
season, and Washington is better-than-average at defending the run. The
defenders have the edge in this matchup. Houston’s
James Allen / Jonathan Wells vs. The Indianapolis Defense (Tough Matchup) Jonathan Wells finally scored a touchdown last week, the
first one since week 8 and the second of the season for Wells – on 24 rushes
for 68 yards. His 2.8 yards per carry were better than counterpart James
Allen’s 5 carries for 1 yard effort (.2 yards per carry). Houston actually won
the game, too. Earlier in the year, week 3, Houston’s backs managed 126 yards
against the Colts (93 by Wells), but that was before the Indy unit jelled. Indianapolis has a very good, young defense. They started
the season a little rough, and the season average vs. the rush shows it – Indy
has allowed 132 rushing yards per game on average this season, 30th
in the league. However, the unit is jelling and over the last four weeks, they
are 14th in the NFL, allowing only 106 yards per game, and rank 5th
in points allowed to opposing running backs. The defense is on a roll. Starting DT James Cannida missed last week’s game with his
knee problem, and reserve DL’s Raheem Brock (ankle) and David Pugh (groin) were
also out. Houston’s OL is as healthy as it can get, considering Boselli and
Schau are on IR. This is a tough matchup for the lame Texans’ rushing attack. Minnesota’s
Michael Bennett / Moe Williams vs. The Atlanta Defense (Tough Matchup) Bad news in the form of an injury to Michael Bennett is the
latest blow to fall on Mike Tice’s team – Bennett couldn’t finish the game last
week with a calf and ankle injury.
MRI’s showed the ankle to be sprained and not broken. Bennett will be listed as Questionable this
week and if he can’t go, Moe Williams would start. Last week, Daunte Culpepper
and Moe Williams picked up the slack in Bennett’s absence – the team rushed for
153 yards in the loss to New England – Williams was held scoreless for the first
time in 8 weeks, though. Atlanta dismantled the Panthers last week in an ultra-easy
win, and are 22nd vs. the rush over the last four weeks, allowing
122 yards per contest – but they rank 1st in fantasy points allowed
to opposing backs. The other team just isn’t scoring much on this squad,
excepting that 34-34 tie vs. Maddox and the Steelers a few weeks back. Backup OL Lewis Kelly missed last week’s game for the
Vikings. Atlanta had a rash of minor injuries in the Carolina game, and one
major blow – starting LB John Holocek broke his right arm. The team is
investigating fitting him with a cast that will allow Holocek to play, but he
is probably shaky to go this weekend – coach Reeves thinks he’ll be out for a
game or two. The Falcons are playing for playoff position, so they need
this NFC game – the Vikings have no motivation other than professional pride.
Advantage, Atlanta. Seattle’s
Shaun Alexander vs. The San Francisco Defense (Tough Matchup) For the third time in 5 games, Shaun Alexander scored 2
touchdowns. For the first time since week 4 he went over 100 yards rushing,
with 145 on the ground and one reception for 6 yards. All this came against one
of the most pathetic defenses in the land, Kansas City, though, so don’t be too
impressed. Alexander still plays on a struggling unit, no matter how good K.C.
made them look. Alexander did have a decent outing against the 49’ers week 6,
putting up 96 yards rushing and 1 score, so there is some room for optimism. San Francisco got blasted by the McNabb and Detmer-less
Eagles this week in a game that demonstrated the importance of depth in the
NFL. They were decent vs. the rush – only 107 yards and 1 score allowed – but
not overwhelming. That’s about the story of their entire season, as the 49’ers
rank 15th in the league allowing 111 yards per game on average. Over
the past four weeks they have played somewhat tougher, allowing only 89 yards
per game (5th) and ranking 6th in fantasy points allowed
to opposing backs. Back-up RB Maurice Morris remained sidelined due to his
right hamstring injury last week. Backup LB Jamie Winborn has been out of
action for the 49’ers recently. San Francisco’s defense is only average (albeit playing well
recently), but the Seahawk’s unit is sub-par. Advantage, San Francisco. St. Louis’
Lamar Gordon / Marshall Faulk vs. The Philadelphia Defense (Tough Matchup) Second verse, same as the first – will Marshall Faulk play
this week or won’t he? The latest news is that the high ankle sprain isn’t
progressing well at all, and coach Martz says it’s “a stretch” to guess that he
might be ready for this week’s game. Lamar Gordon was effective in his game
against the Redskins – 13/40 rushing, 10/68 receiving, and 0 scores – but not
outstanding, so Canidate could still be an X-factor in this situation, if he
fights his way out of the dog-house (1 carry for 22 yards, 1 reception for 11,
last week). The Eagles D was stout in the 49er game, controlling
Garrison Hearst (and knocking out tandem-mate Kevan Barlow) while holding the
team to 104 yards rushing and 0 scores on the ground. This season they are the
4th ranked rushing D in the NFL, allowing only 94 yards per game,
and they are 15th over the past four weeks, allowing 106 per
contest. They have been allowing opposing backs to do fairly well in the recent
past – they rank 24th in fantasy points allowed over the past four
weeks, not including the Monday Night game vs. the 49’ers. DL Brandon Whiting (back) and Hugh Douglas (stinger) were
injured on Monday night, and Derrick Burgess is sidelined with a broken bone in
his foot, so the line remains problematic for the defense. Starting G Tom
Nutten went down for the season last week, and he joins T Grant Williams and G Travis Scott on the
sidelines. Neither unit is up to strength entering this game. Philadelphia’s defense still finds ways to limit their
opponents in the face of their injuries, and the Rams are just not the same
team without Faulk and Nutten. Advantage, Eagles. New
Orleans’ Deuce McAllister / James Fenderson / Curtis Keaton vs. The Tampa Bay
Defense (Bad Matchup) How vital is Deuce McAllister to the Saints? Well, they’ve
lost two straight while he’s been limping. Fenderson and Keaton combined for 54
yards on 17 carries and one score (by Fenderson) vs. the Browns, so they
weren’t totally ineffective – but they were hardly explosive from the fantasy
perspective. McAllister suited up and was listed as the starter, but didn’t
touch the ball all day. At this time he’s considered questionable for the game
vs. the Bucs, and will remain so until after the practice on Wednesday, at the
earliest. It looks shaky for McAllister to play this week. Week 1 McAllister
had good success against the Bucs, but that’s water under the bridge at this
point. Tampa Bay’s defense pounded the Packers last week, and they
have squashed Carolina the week before, so this is a unit on a roll. Their
statistics are a little skewed over the past four weeks due to a big game
surrendered to Michael Bennett week 9 – don’t be deceived, they are really clamping
down on opposing backs lately. Ahman Green got 56 yards rushing against them,
and Lamar Smith managed only 46, and neither guy scored in the games. DT Anthony McFarland remains sidelined with his broken
wrist, and DL Corey Smith missed last week’s game with his bum knee. Starting G
LeCharles Bentley remained on the sidelines with McAllister last week. Tampa is playing dominant defense recently, and that won’t
change no matter who the Saints start. San
Diego’s LaDainian Tomlinson vs. The Denver Defense (Bad Matchup) LaDainian Tomlinson is in the middle of a slump in
production. He hasn’t scored in 2 weeks, and his yardage total has declined
each game for the last three weeks (144, then 135, then 59 last week). He is
having trouble finding room to roam, too, as the yards per carry show (5,
3.7,.3.2 last week). In their first meeting week 5, Tomlinson got 48 yards
rushing and 49 yards receiving, but no scores. Denver is the last team you want to try and pull out of a
slump against – they play very stout rushing defense (despite Edgerrin James’
88 yards last week) – they are 1st in the NFL this season allowing
74 yards per game, and average 69 yards per game over the last four weeks (1st
in the NFL). However, opposing backs are scoring some on them –James and backup
James Mungro both put the ball in the end-zone against the Broncos last week,
and they rank 26th in the NFL in points allowed to opposing backs
right now. Part of Tomlinson’s woes are due to the thin and battered
line – starting OT Vaughn Parker (triceps injury) and Damion McIntosh (right
ankle sprain) both missed last week, as did backup OL Michael Keathley (ankle)
– this in addition to the high ankle sprain that knocked OL Ed Ellis out during
the game. C Cory Raymer is out (IR), so there aren’t enough blockers to open
holes for Tomlinson right now (or to rotate the line so guys can get
breathers). The Denver defensive front is fairly healthy, nobody should miss
the game on Sunday. Tomlinson is still a starter for most teams, just be aware this
is a tough matchup for him. The Broncos
have more health and talent on their unit than the Chargers do right now.
Advantage, Denver. Washington’s
Stephen Davis vs. The Dallas Defense (Bad Matchup) 4 rushing touchdowns – that’s how many scores the Cowboy’s
defensive front has surrendered this season. Over the past four weeks, the
Cowboys are allowing 98 yards per game (7th in the NFL) and are 3rd
in the league in fantasy points allowed to opposing backs. These guys aren’t
pushovers. Stephen Davis was finally utilized in a featured role by the
Redskins’ coaching staff this week – the result? 31 rushes for 88 yards and 3
touchdowns (with 127 yards rushing, total, for the team) – and a victory over
the St. Louis Rams. Do we expect the Redskins to rush the ball that much every
week? No. But, at least Davis was productive when he got the chance. There was some interesting comments from Redskin players
that QB Danny Wuerffel did something you don’t often see pass happy NFL QBs do
– audible frequently from a called pass play to a run. Wuerffel seemed to be looking for The Cowboys didn’t suffer any new injuries to their
defensive front this past Sunday. The Redskin’s attack is also pretty healthy
heading into the Thanksgiving day match. Davis is a great back on a mediocre team, facing a very
tough rushing defense. The advantage goes to the Dallas squad. |